Security system

ABSTRACT

Security systems for the protection of rooms containing valuables against the exit of unauthorized persons, particularly for cashier&#39;&#39;s boxes in banks, strong rooms or similar business premises, including electrodes in a position to come into contact with an intruder and means to secure the intruder to the electrode to thereby prevent escape.

United States Patent Gordon Apr. 10, 1973 SECURITY SYSTEM 2,187,9281/1940 Bat-croft ..43/59 1 Invenwn Aby Abraham GordomAm Maiafel-51333232 1511323 31333111: M114 sen 3, 6651 Kirrberg (Saar), GermanyPrimary ExaminerDennis L. Taylor 22 Filed, 31 1972 AttorneyR0bert C.Hauke et al.

211 Appl.No.: 222,212 57 ABSTRACT Security systems for the protection ofrooms contain- 52 us. Cl. ..109/2, 43/59, 109/3 ing valuables againstthe exit of unauthorized persons, [51] Int. Cl ..E05g 3/00 Particularlyfor cashiers boxes in banks Strong rooms [58] Field of Search 109/23 35l 2 or similar business premises, including electrodes in a 43/59position to come into contact with an intruder and means to secure theintruder to the electrode to thereby prevent escape. [56] ReferencesCited 13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 897,919 9/1908Muller ..43/1l4 X Ill/l/l/l/l/l/l/l/l/l/ \=&\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\Y\\\\PATEHTEU 1 @1373 saw 2 UP 2 Fig. 4

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SECURITY SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are already varioussecurity systems known which, in case of bank robbery or burglary,should prevent the person from succeeding in his aim. Such securitysystems work mostly as alarm systems, giving alarm signals, eitherautomatically or by moving a special switch, putting hidden cameras intooperation, or effecting the automatic closing of doors. Further, safetysystems can be constructed in such a way'that the installations to besecured are fitted with electrical contacts which produce an electricalshock to at least frighten off a person touching the contacts.

Security systems of this type have a number of disadvantages. When theyproduce nothing but alarm signals, the person is able to complete hisintention or interrupt it and escape so that he must be pursued. Whenthe systems have to effect in addition the automatic closing of doors,then they are only effective when at the same time the windows of such aroom can be secured. For this however, costly mechanical devices arenecessary to work quickly and efficiently. Further to be effective theymust be secure from being put of action from within the area to besecured, as well as from the outside. Such constructions require a gooddeal of technical effort and can easily be made inoperable. Theirconstruction is usually known and mechanical countermeasures of variouskinds can be employed to permit escape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a securitysystem which not only prevents an intruders escape but which alsooperates to limit his ability to move about. The security system of thepresent invention is constructed in such a way that electrodes to. becontacted are arranged in the floor of the room, as well as in any areawhich normally can be reached by hand. In particular, the electrodes arefitted in the floor and are constructed and arranged in such a way thatthey act, in addition to inducing electric current automatically or byswitch action, to produce a physical or chemical action, which resultsin adhesion of the object onto the electrodes. In other words, anintruder upon coming into contact with an electrode will become adheredto the contact and will be unable to escape.

Thus the present invention provides electrodes which cause in effect, inaddition to their normal electrical action, an adhesion of thecontacting objects onto the electrodes. The normal reaction of onetouching an area under the influence of electrical current is to evadethe influence of such areas when their properties have been felt. Inorder to secure rooms, the deterring effect of the electrodes is howevernot sufficient; in addition the escape of the person should beprevented. To achieve this, the additional effect realized by theinvention will be put into action, resulting in an adhesion to theelectrodes. The required physical or chemical reaction upon contactingareas to produce the adhesion can be achieved in different ways,depending on the intended result.

A security system according to the invention can be constructed with theelectrodes fitted to the floor. The arrest and holding of a person byhis feet to the electrodes mounted in the floor is produced in a mannerthat he is unable to get away and is under constant influence of anelectrical potential. The current generated thereby must be kept at sucha level that only the persons mobility will be limited and regulatedaccordingly.

To produce the additional effect contemplated by the invention, thesecurity system can be constructed in such a way that the contactelectrodes fitted in the floor will contain a heating means. The heatingmeans can be arranged for example under the contact electrodes, toeffect a transfer of heat to the upper surface of the electrodes. Theelectrode could consist, for example, of an electrically conductingplate with an arrangement of electrical heating elements underneath, allmounted in a heat conducting material. The heat produced in the heatingelements will be transferred through the heat conducting material to theplate. The heating elements can be energized by a strong current in alow voltage circuit, thus achieving a very quick heating of the plate toa temperature which results in melting rubber or any artificial shoesoles and by the melting adherence to the electrodes. It is alsopossible to construct electrodes in such a way that their surface willcontain an adhesive substance which would melt under the influence ofthe heat. This insures an adhesion to those materials which do notreadily melt under the influence of heat.

A direct transfer of the heat to the object resting on the contactelectrodes is possible when the heating elements are arranged incavities formed in the surface of the contact electrodes. This resultsin a better utilization of the generated heating energy and thus in aquicker heating of the objects in contact with the electrodes.

A security system according to the invention may work also according toanother principle, which permits a further improvement of the securityeffect intended by the electrodes. To achieve this the security system,for example, can be constructed in such a way that the contactelectrodes, preferably those arranged in the floor, are connected tomeans for providing a liquid to the surface of the electrodes increasingthe electrical conductivity between the electrodes and the objects incontact with the electrodes. In this way good electrical conductivity isguaranteed even as between the electrodes and shoes with leather soles,which when dry have a poor but in a wet condition however a goodelectrical conductivity. The increased moisture guarantees a greatersecurity effect for the electrical potential at the electrodes withinthe limits mentioned previously.

As well as using a liquid for increasing the conductivity of thetouching objects, it is possible to convey a liquid adhesive to producean adhesion between the electrode and the objects in contact with theelectrode. To achieve this it is possible to use adhesives which have aquick adhesive effect after being emitted from the electrode, combinedwith a quick hardening effect. It is an advantage to use such adhesivesin combination with a heating effect.

Finally, means may be provided which in combination with the electrodesdirect a liquid capable of dissolving objects in contact with theelectrodes, especially those made of rubber. In this way various effectscan be achieved, such as by the subsequent release of adhesives whichwould not ordinarily adhere well to rubber and an increase in thecurrent discharged to the object in contact by a reduction in theinsulation, i.e. the rubber soles between the electrodes and the objectto be retained.

The present invention can take several forms. For example, theelectrodes can be fitted with bores connected to reservoirs for theliquid so that the liquid will be discharged to the surface of thecontact electrodes. Further, the electrodes can be equipped withcavities connected to the liquid bores. In order to prevent a limitationof the efficiency should an object be standing on an electrode withouttouching a second one, it is possible to construct a security systemaccording to the invention in such a way that the electrodes fitted tothe floor are divided into several single elements which are biased bydifferent potentials to thereby form an electrical circuit within theobject standing on one of the electrodes even when the second electrodeis not touched.

A special advantage of a security system according to the invention isto be found in the fact that it is possible to limit the voltage so thatno detrimental effect on the health of the human body is produced, andin fact even if the electric current may not be working for some reasonthe system will effectively retain the intruder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become clearerupon reference to the following description. The description makesreference to the enclosed drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a security system according to the presentinvention illustrated as installed in a bank;

FIG. 2 is a view as seen substantially from the right side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a system similar to that shown in FIG. 1 butwith an additional feature;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred electrode of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating another preferredelectrode;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 but illustrating still anotherpreferred electrode;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 but illustrating yetanother preferred electrode; and

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another preferred electrode of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In FIG. 1 a security system according tothe present invention is shown for use in a cashiers box. On thecashiers counter an electric contact electrode 1 is fitted, which isarranged within the contact area of the person standing in front of thecashiers box, on an electrically conducting floor electrode 3 embeddedin floor 4. Both electrodes 1 and 3 are connectible to a source ofelectrical current V through a foot switch 2. Instead of a foot switch,other conventional means such as automatic alarms or switch elements maybe installed to activate the electrode 1. Electrically conducting wallmembers 5 can also be provided to outline the area in front of thecashier's window as shown.

In FIG. 3 a bank room is shown in plan view and includes the cashiersbox illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this bank room the exit door issecured by contact electrodes. The door can consist of an outer part 8of insulating material and an inner part 7 of electrically conductingmaterial to form a contact electrode. In the area of the floor in frontof the door, a floor electrode 6 is arranged so that the door itself orits contact electrode 7 can be reached only if the person is alsostanding on the floor electrode 6. The combination of the securitydevice of the cashiers room and the security device of the door,together with the source of potential V, is shown in diagram andincludes an electrical connection with the partition walls 5 in such away that they are biased with the same potential as electrodes 1 and 3.A person standing on the floor electrode 3 experiences an electricalinfluence even when not touching the cashiers counter, and if he triesto gain support on the partition walls or grilles 5 in order to loosenthe shoes adhering to floor electrode 3 he will again suffer anelectrical discharge. The partition walls 5 must of course be insulatedfrom the floor electrode 3.

In FIG. 4 an example for construction of a contact electrode isillustrated which may be used as a floor electrode; The plate containingelectrode 3 is provided with bores 15 connected to a pipe 9, which isjoined to a device feeding a liquid (not shown). This could be a pumpfor feeding water, an adhesive, a solvent or a similar liquid which willact physically or chemically upon an object resting on the electrode 3.The plate forming electrode 3 is formed of an electrical conductivematerial.

In FIG. 5 a further example of a contact electrode is shown which isalso well suited to act as a floor electrode. Here too, a pipe 9a isconnected to bores 15a in a support plate 11 serving to deliver a liquidto the electrode. The electrode itself is formed by rows of electrodes10 which are set in a non-conductive material forming the carrier plate11. Between the rows of electrodes cavities 12 are formed registeringwith bores 15. The liquid fed through the pipe 9a fills the cavities 12formed between the rows of electrodes 10 in such a way that an objectresting on one part of the electrode touches simultaneously one row ofelectrodes 10 and the liquid contained in the cavities 12. Consequentlythe object in contact with the electrode will be under a dual effect:(a) it will be affected by the row of the electrodes 10 electrically,(b) by the spaces 12 containing a liquid it will be affected by anadhesive solution or something similar.

FIG. 6 demonstrates a contact electrode furnished with heating elements.A support plate 11b with good heat conductivity is furnished withheating elements 13 embedded not too deeply. In the support plate 11 isan electrode plate 10b, the whole area of which is in contact with thesurface of the support plate 11b. The heating elements can be electricelements with high resistance which can be heated by a strong current ina very short time. They are able to direct this heat in a very shorttime over the heat conductive material of the support plate 11b to theelectrode plate 10b. If this electrode should consist of copper, forinstance, an excellent use of the transferred heat is assured. Under theheating elements 13 can be layers (not shown) of a heat reflectingmaterial, so that substantially all of the heat generated in the heatingelements 13 will be transferred to the electrode plate b.

In FIG. 7 an example of an electrode is disclosed which is also providedwith heating elements. The support plate 10, however, is here providedwith cavities 12c into which the heating elements 130 are embedded andare cast in a casting material 14. In the example presented, the heatingelements 13c are embedded in the casting material 14 in such a way thatthey are partly exposed, but it is also possible to put them into thecasting material 14 so that they are completely covered. Suchalterations can be made according to the intended use of the electrode,i.e. when this electrode is not used as a floor plate but as a plate fora table or the like where any direct burns from touching should beavoided.

The examples of electrodes shown in FIGS. 4-7 can also be combined invarious ways. It is possible, for instance, to construct an electrode ofthe type shown in FIGS. 4 or 5 to include heating elements to therebyimprove the adhesion of a touching object by melting it and to alsoproduce a heating effect upon the liquid. The heated liquid then willproduce further physical or chemical effects to thereby advance thepurposes of the present invention. An example of this would be in thecase of adhesives hardening under the influence of heat.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a contact electrode consisting of severalsingle elements. Two single elements 3a and 3b are shown. The element 3ais connected to a potential V1 and the element 3b is connected to apotential V2. The potentials V1 and V2 have different values, thus aperson standing on one of those electrodes will come under the influenceof a current which, for example, may lead from the electrode 3a to theelectrode 312. Further, rows 14d are shown which are similar to theareas 14 shown in FIG. 7, into which the heating elements 13 areembedded. The arrangement shown of the areas 14 is only an example andit is possible to utilize other distributions, for example in form of aspiral, chessboard or a circle. Such arrangements could also be used forthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

A security device according to the invention is described above for usein a closed room, i.e. the cashiers box of a bank. The invention canalso be utilized in other limited areas. Itis possible for instance toequip the outer area of a storage room or place such as an ammunitiondump or any other area not open to the public with a security deviceaccording to the invention. It is apparent then that the invention canbe used anywhere that it is desired to protect a limited area againstthe intrusion and escape of unauthorized persons.

It is also apparent that changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention as expressed by thescope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A security system for demobilizing an intruder or the like comprisingan electrode positioned to be contacted by the intruder, electricalmeans for producing an electrical current through said electrode andinto an object in contact with saidelectrode and means 0 erable in conunction with said electrode to adhesive y attach to said electrode theobject in contact with said electrode.

2. A security system as defined in claim 1 and including said electrodebeing disposed within the floor of an area to be protected and includingheating means for heating said electrode upon electrical current beingdirected through said electrode.

3. The security system as defined in claim 2 and in which said heatingmeans are disposed beneath said electrode to effect a transfer of heatto the surface of said electrode.

4. The security system as defined in claim 2 and including at least onecavity formed in the upper surface of said electrode and said heatingmeans being disposed within said cavity.

5. The security system as defined in claim 1 and including meansoperable to deliver a liquid to the surface of said electrode to therebyincrease the electric conductivity of the areas in contact with saidelectrode.

6. The security system as defined in claim 5 and in which said liquid isan adhesive and produces an adhesion between the areas of the object andthe electrode which are in contact.

7. The security system according to claim 5 and in which the liquid isoperable to dissolve material such as rubber in contact with saidelectrode.

8. The security system asdefined in claim 5 and including a plurality ofbores formed in said electrode and means for connecting said bores withsaid liquid.

9. The security system as defined in claim 5 and in which said electrodehas a plurality of cavities formed in the upper surface thereof andincluding means for connecting said liquid to said cavities.

10. A security system as defined in claim 1 especially for use atcashiers windows and banks and the like and in which said electrode isarranged in the floor in front of said cashiers window and including asecond electrode arranged in the counter of said cashiers window.

1 1. The security system as defined in claim 10 and including partitionwalls formed in front of said cashiers window, said partition wallsbeing constructed of an electrical conductive material and beingconnected with said electrical means to form a third electrode.

12. The security system as defined in claim 1 and in which saidelectrode is subdivided into several single elements each connected to adifferent electrical source to provide a series of different electricalcircuits.

13. The security system as defined in claim 6 and including heatingmeans and said adhesive being meltable under the influence of heat.

1. A security system for demobilizing an intruder or the like comprisingan electrode positioned to be contacted by the intruder, electricalmeans for producing an electrical current through said electrode andinto an object in contact with said electrode, and means operable inconjunction with said electrode to adhesively attach to said electrodethe object in contact with said electrode.
 2. A security system asdefined in claim 1 and including said electrode being disposed withinthe floor of an area to be protected and including heating means forheating said electrode upon electrical current being directed throughsaid electrode.
 3. The security system as defined in claim 2 and inwhich said heating means are disposed beneath said electrode to effect atransfer of heat to the surface of said electrode.
 4. The securitysystem as defined in claim 2 and including at least one cavity formed inthe upper surface of said electrode and said heating means beingdisposed within said cavity.
 5. The security system as defined in claim1 and including means operable to deliver a liquid to the surface ofsaid electrode to thereby increase the electric conductivity of theareas in contact with said electrode.
 6. The security system as definedin claim 5 and in which said liquid is an adhesive and produces anadhesion between the areas of the object and the electrode which are incontact.
 7. The security system according to claim 5 and in which theliquid is operable to dissolve material such as rubber in contact withsaid electrode.
 8. The security system as defined in claim 5 andincluding a plurality of bores formed in said electrode and means forconnecting said bores with said liquid.
 9. The security system asdefined in claim 5 and in which said electrode has a plurality ofcavities formed in the upper surface thereof and including means forconnecting said liquid to said cavities.
 10. A security system asdefined in claim 1 especially for use at cashier''s windows and banksand the like and in which said electrode is arranged in the floor infront of said cashier''s window and including a second electrodearranged in the counter of said cashier''s window.
 11. The securitysystem as defined in claim 10 and including partition walls formed infront of said cashier''s window, said partition walls being constructedof an electrical conductive material and being connected with saidelectrical means to form a third electrode.
 12. The security system asdefined in claim 1 and in which said electrode is subdivided intoseveral single elements each connected to a different electrical sourceto provide a series of different electrical circuits.
 13. The securitysystem as defined in claim 6 and including heating means and saidadhesive being meltable under the influence of heat.